Google adds extra security step

Google is making it tougher for computer hackers and other imposters to break into e-mail accounts and other password-protected services. An additional security measure will require typing a six-digit code after an accountholder’s Google password is entered. The codes will be sent to people’s mobile phones. The two-step login means it will take more than a password to get into an account. The extra protection initially will be offered to companies and government agencies. People using Google’s free Gmail service will be able to make the security codes part of their login process within the next few months.

This story is part of Federal News Radio’s daily Cybersecurity Update brought to you by Tripwire. For more cybersecurity news, click here.

Tom Temin is the host of The Federal Drive, which airs from 6-9 a.m. on 1500 AM in the Washington, DC region and online everywhere. Tom has 30 years experience in journalism, mostly in technology markets. Before coming to Federal News Radio, he was a long-serving editor-in-chief of Government Computer News and Washington Technology magazines.